TITLE:
Health Promotion to Promote Use of Prophylactic Anti-Malaria Agents in Rural Enugu State, Nigeria: Dislodging the Malaria-Typhoid Concurrency Myth
AUTHORS:
Marychristiana Ejindu Uzochukwu, Otitodilichukwu Josephine Okoh, Janefrances Ngozi Ugwuoke
KEYWORDS:
Prophylactic, Health Promotion, Anti-Malaria Agents, Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITNs), Intermittent-Preventive Treatment, Malaria-Typhoid Co-Infection Myth, Public Health Intervention
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.11,
November
17,
2025
ABSTRACT: Malaria remains a significant public health threat in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting rural communities in Enugu State. Persistent misconceptions, such as the belief that malaria and typhoid fever invariably co-occur, undermine accurate diagnosis and prevention. This article presents a community-focused health promotion framework to enhance uptake of prophylactic anti-malarial interventions (e.g., IPTp and ITNs) and correct misinformation regarding malaria-typhoid co-infection. Using reports from studies conducted in Southeastern Nigeria and Nigeria, we identify the main challenges and suggest practical strategies that involve the community, leverage the trusted influence of religious leaders, male partner involvement, strengthen the healthcare system, and promote positive behavioral change. By integrating faith-based engagement with evidence-informed practices, these strategies could help reduce malaria cases, dismantle persistent myths, and improve maternal and child health outcomes in rural settings.